Camera Gear Review News

Image quality test results have been added to the Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S Lens page.
 
Make some comparisons. I think that you will like what you see!
 
The Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S Lens is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX
 
Rent the Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S Lens from Lensrentals.

Just posted: Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM Lens Review.
 
The light weight of this lens is really incredible.
 
The Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM Lens is in stock at B&H (save the tax, use the B&H Payboo card) | Adorama | Amazon | WEX.
 
Rent the Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM Lens from Lensrentals.

70-200mm f/2.8 lenses from Canon, Nikon, Sigma, Sony, and Tamron are now included in the site's Camera Lens MTF Measurements Comparison Tool.
 
The 70-200mm f/2.8 image stabilized lens is a staple to many kits. Start comparing! Then share the results with your friends.

Just posted: Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 STF GM OSS Lens Review.
 
Along with much other information, learn why this lens' f/2.8 is equal T 5.6.
 
The Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 STF GM OSS Lens is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX
 
Rent the Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 STF GM OSS Lens from Lensrentals.

Just posted: ProMediaGear PLX3x Universal L-Bracket Review.
 
I've wanted a universal L-bracket for a long time and this is the one I picked.
 
The ProMediaGear PLX3x Universal L-Bracket is in stock at Adorama

Image quality test results have been added to the Nikon Z 14-30mm f/4 S Lens page.
 
Compact, light, great focal length range, and ... very nice image quality (remember that lateral CA is usually easily removed). Create your own comparisons – share the results with your friends.
 
The Nikon Z 14-30mm f/4 S Lens is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX ("Awaiting Stock")
 
Rent the Nikon Z 14-30mm f/4 S Lens from Lensrentals.

Image quality test results from an additional lens have been added to the Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM Lens page.
 
As I shared prior regarding the first lens' test results:
 
 
While these image quality results may appear simple, they have a background. Keeping the story short, my first copy of this lens took forever to arrive and when it did, the performance was not as expected with damage sustained in transit being strongly suspected. The second lens also took a long time to acquire and the results being shared here are from this lens.
 
Before announcing these results, I did some sanity checking including with my Canon USA technical rep. My concern (always) is ensuring that this lens' performance is representative of what buyers should expect from their own lens. The MTF charts suggest that the version III lens should perform nearly equally to the version II lens. While I'm not absolutely 100% confident that a better copy of this lens is not available (and will likely test at least one more copy of this lens to be sure), I have enough confidence that this lens is representative of the model, showing what we should expect, to share these results.
 
That said, let's jump right into the comparison that most will be interested in, the Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III vs. II Lens image quality comparison. The version III lens produces very impressive image quality wide open. My only cause for concern about this lens copy was that the version II lens is very slightly sharper in the center of the frame with the difference primarily noticeable when extenders are being used. With less lateral CA, the version III lens produces better peripheral image quality, even with the 2x extender in place.
 
Unmistakably better is the version III's weight. As I was creating this post, I grabbed the lens from my desk and ran to attempt to catch a pileated woodpecker on a tree just outside the studio. That effort reminded me how amazingly light this lens is for its specs.
 
 
Back to the new copy of this lens ... as I mentioned, I wanted to test another copy and here is the comparison between the two copies (copy "2" is the new one).
 
The Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM Lens is in stock at B&H (save the tax, use the B&H Payboo card) | Adorama | Amazon | WEX.
 
Rent the Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM Lens from Lensrentals.

Just posted: Sony FE 135mm f/1.8 GM Lens Review.
 
This is an outstanding lens.
 
The Sony FE 135mm f/1.8 GM Lens is available for order at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX (in stock – act fast)
 
Rent the Sony FE 135mm f/1.8 GM Lens from Lensrentals.

Image quality test results have been added to the Sony FE 135mm f/1.8 GM Lens page.
 
They can't keep this one on the shelf. Here are some comparisons.
 
Sony FE 135mm f/1.8 GM Lens compared to Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM Lens
 
Sony FE 135mm f/1.8 GM Lens compared to Sigma 135mm f/1.8 DG HSM Art Lens
 
Sony FE 135mm f/1.8 GM Lens compared to Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM Lens
 
Sony FE 135mm f/1.8 GM Lens compared to Rokinon (Samyang) 135mm f/2 ED UMC Lens
 
Sony FE 135mm f/1.8 GM Lens compared to Zeiss 135mm f/2 Milvus Lens
 
As always, please share these results with your friends!
 
The Sony FE 135mm f/1.8 GM Lens is available for preorder at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX
 
Rent the Sony FE 135mm f/1.8 GM Lens from Lensrentals.

Just posted: Canon EOS Rebel SL3 DSLR Camera Review.
 
The EOS Rebel SL3 / 250D / 200D II is a lot of camera in a little size. The low price is at least equally attractive.
 
Save $50 to $250 instantly with the current Canon promotion – get the Canon EOS Rebel SL3 at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX
 
Rent the Canon EOS Rebel SL3 from Lensrentals.

Noise test results have been added to the Canon EOS Rebel SL3 page.
 
Save $50 to $250 instantly with the current Canon promotion – get the Canon EOS Rebel SL3 at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX
 
Rent the Canon EOS Rebel SL3 from Lensrentals.

Image quality test results have been added to the Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L USM Lens page.
 
What do you think? Does this lens meet your expectations? Here are a couple of comparisons to get you started:
 
Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L USM Lens compared to the Canon RF 50mm F1.2 L USM Lens
Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L USM Lens compared to the Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM Lens
 
The Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L USM Lens is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX
 
Rent the Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L USM Lens from Lensrentals.

Just posted: Zeiss 100mm f/1.4 Otus Lens Review.
 
Object of desire.
 
As always, please share!
 
The Zeiss 100mm f/1.4 Otus Lens is in stock at B&H | Adorama | WEX
 
Rent the Zeiss 100mm f/1.4 Otus Lens from Lensrentals.
 
(Note that one of the standard product images will be incorrectly sized until the cache clears.)

Image quality test results have been added to the Zeiss 100mm f/1.4 Otus Lens page.
 
Simply. Outstanding. Meet the definition of sharp.
 
If you can make a 100mm manual focus lens work for your application, you want this lens.
 
Zeiss 100mm f/1.4 Otus compared to Nikon 105mm f/1.4E ED AF-S NIKKOR Lens
Zeiss 100mm f/1.4 Otus compared to Sigma 105mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens
Zeiss 100mm f/1.4 Otus compared to Zeiss Otus 85mm f/1.4 Lens
Zeiss 100mm f/1.4 Otus compared to Zeiss Milvus 100mm f/2M Lens
 
The Zeiss 100mm f/1.4 Otus Lens is in stock at B&H | Adorama | WEX
 
Rent the Zeiss 100mm f/1.4 Otus Lens from Lensrentals.

Just posted: Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM Lens Review.
 
This lens is a great addition to any Sony kit. Or, a reason to get a Sony kit for some.
 
The Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM Lens is available for order at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX
 
Rent the Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM Lens from Lensrentals.

In addition to Image quality test results, vignetting, flare, and distortion test results along with specs, measurements, and standard product images are now available the Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM Lens page.
 
The Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM Lens is available for order at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX
 
Rent the Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM Lens from Lensrentals.

Image quality test results have been added to the Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM Lens page.
 
Now we know why this compact and reasonably-priced (less than the Canon and Nikon equivalents) lens has been nearly unobtainable. Here are some comparisons (using differing camera formats).
 
Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM Lens compared to Canon EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM Lens
Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM Lens compared to Nikon 24mm f/1.4G AF-S Nikkor Lens
Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM Lens compared to Sigma 24mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens
Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM Lens compared to Zeiss 28mm f/1.4 Otus Lens
 
Share these results with your friends!
 
The Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM Lens is available for order at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX
 
Rent the Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM Lens from Lensrentals.

Just posted: Sigma 60-600mm f/4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports Lens Review.
 
This lens exceeded my expecations.
 
The Sigma 60-600mm f/4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports Lens is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX
 
Rent the Sigma 60-600mm f/4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports Lens from Lensrentals.

The Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM Lens has a rattle?
 
A couple of months ago, I helped a friend source a Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM Lens. Oddly, a day or two later he found that his order had been canceled. Another day later, the retailer contacted him with an explaination for canceling his order. While packing the lens for shipping, they heard a rattle inside the box, determined that the lens was damaged, and instead of risking a damaged lens being sent to a customer, they returned the lens to Canon.
 
After a brief conversation with my contacts at Canon USA, it was expected that the image stabilization unit not being parked was the source of the rattle sound. It was not thought that the unparked state was a damage risk to the lens and it was thought that mounting the lens on a camera would resolve the problem.
 
I just took delivery of a new 600mm f/4L IS III lens and upon removing the lens from the packaging, an obvious rattle could be heard. It sounded like this:
 
Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM Lens Rattle Sound
 
After the lens was mounted to a camera, the power cycled (parking the IS unit), and the lens removed, the sound was dramatically diminished.
 
Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM Lens with Less Rattle Sound
 
So, the expected cause of the rattle proved to be correct and you probably need not worry about the rattle your new super telephoto lens makes.
 
The hard-to-get Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM Lens is available for order at B&H ("More on the Way" — coming soon) (save the tax, use the B&H Payboo card), on backorder at Adorama, "Temporarily out of stock" at Amazon, and available for preorder at WEX.
 
Lensrentals has the Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM Lens available for rental.

Image quality, vignetting, and distortion test results along with specs, measurements, and standard product images Image quality test results have been added to the Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM Lens page.
 
While these image quality results may appear simple, they have a background. Keeping the story short, my first copy of this lens took forever to arrive and when it did, the performance was not as expected with damage sustained in transit being strongly suspected. The second lens also took a long time to acquire and the results being shared here are from this lens.
 
Before announcing these results, I did some sanity checking including with my Canon USA technical rep. My concern (always) is ensuring that this lens' performance is representative of what buyers should expect from their own lens. The MTF charts suggest that the version III lens should perform nearly equally to the version II lens. While I'm not absolutely 100% confident that a better copy of this lens is not available (and will likely test at least one more copy of this lens to be sure), I have enough confidence that this lens is representative of the model, showing what we should expect, to share these results.
 
That said, let's jump right into the comparison that most will be interested in, the Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III vs. II Lens image quality comparison. The version III lens produces very impressive image quality wide open. My only cause for concern about this lens copy was that the version II lens is very slightly sharper in the center of the frame with the difference primarily noticeable when extenders are being used. With less lateral CA, the version III lens produces better peripheral image quality, even with the 2x extender in place.
 
Unmistakably better is the version III's weight. As I was creating this post, I grabbed the lens from my desk and ran to attempt to catch a pileated woodpecker on a tree just outside the studio. That effort reminded me how amazingly light this lens is for its specs.
 
Here is another relevant comparison: Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III vs. Nikon 600mm f/4E AF-S FL ED VR Lens.
 
The hard-to-get Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM Lens is available for order at B&H ("More on the Way" — coming soon) (save the tax, use the B&H Payboo card), on backorder at Adorama, "Temporarily out of stock" at Amazon, and available for preorder at WEX.
 
Want this lens in your hands tomorrow? Lensrentals has the Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM Lens available for rental.

In addition to the image quality test results, vignetting, flare, and distortion test results along with specs, measurements, and standard product images have been added to the Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 STF GM OSS Lens page.
 
Again, more information about this lens is coming.
 
The Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 STF GM OSS Lens is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX
 
Rent the Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 STF GM OSS Lens from Lensrentals.

Image quality test results have been added to the Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 STF GM OSS Lens page.
 
You are going to be impressed with these results.
 
This is a unique lens. The product images show that this lens has a manual aperture ring denoted "T", for T-stops, showing the actual amount of light transmission. While this is technically an f/2.8 lens, the T-stop ring stops at f/5.6 and f/5.6 is the widest aperture selectable in-camera. The reason has to do with the STF (Smooth Trans Focus) feature including an optical apodization lens element. More information coming.
 
The Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 STF GM OSS Lens is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX
 
Rent the Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 STF GM OSS Lens from Lensrentals.

In addition to Image quality test results, vignetting, flare, and distortion test results along with specs, measurements, and standard product images are now available on the Sigma 60-600mm f/4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports Lens page.
 
Note that the product images are cropped hard due to my choice to keep them in the smaller lens comparison format where this lens can be compared to the 100-400mm lens class and others.
 
The Sigma 60-600mm f/4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports Lens is in stock or coming soon at B&H | Adorama | Amazon US | WEX
 
Rent the Sigma 60-600mm f/4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports Lens from Lensrentals.

Just posted: Tamron 15-30mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 Lens Review.
 
Do you want an f/2.8 aperture and image stabilization in a full-frame ultra-wide-angle focal length lens? This lens and its predecessor are still your only options.
 
The Tamron 15-30mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 Lens is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX
 
Rent the Tamron 15-30mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 Lens from Lensrentals.

That is a question I struggled with and, based on emails coming in, many of you are also feeling the pull to move to the R-series, or at least bring one into an existing kit.
 
What We Know
 

• The Canon EOS R is a great-performing camera, full-featured with a great price for what it offers.
• The Canon EOS RP is tiny, well-featured, and extremely-well-priced.
• Lenses are critically important and the RF Lenses available now are very impressive with extremely high image quality, ultra-wide apertures, and/or compact size and light weight.
• The RF lenses slated for delivery later this year promise at least equal to the impressiveness of the ones we already have available.
• More EOS R camera models are promised, including pro models.

You Should Buy a Canon R-Series Mirrorless Camera Now If
 

• You want to start taking advantage of the RF lenses and/or want to keep your kit optimized to the best-available lenses. If a lens you want to use now to is available in an RF mount version, this is a good time to consider buying into the R system.
• You want the advantages of an electronic viewfinder, including clear, focused-to-your-eye image preview and review in bright daylight, and don't mind the EVF disadvantages, including a brief video pause when an image is being captured.
• You want incredibly-low-light AF capabilities.
• You want improved AF accuracy with third party lenses.
• You want to learn how to use the mirrorless models. While the learning curve is not big, the fun of learning something new is.
• You primarily photograph landscapes, street, still life, family and events.
• You want the benefit of eye-tracking focus, especially useful with wide aperture lenses.
• You want to reduce the size and weight of your kit.
• You want to take advantage of the up-to-$500 rebates currently available.

You Should Wait to Buy a Canon R-Series Mirrorless Camera If
 

• You primarily photograph sports and wildlife. The EOS R's frame rate is mediocre and a brief EVF video pause during each image capture makes tracking erratic-moving fast action challenging. The Canon EOS-1D X Mark II or the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV are currently better choices for capturing fast, erratic action.
• You don't see any advantages to the EOS R-series camera and RF lens system over what you are using now. If nothing about the new cameras and lenses interests you, stay with a DSLR.
• You require an economy kit lens with a native RF mount. I expect an inexpensive RF kit lens to show up at some point, but ... an adapted EF lens is currently the best low-cost option for a general-purpose zoom lens.
• You require ultra-high resolution. We do not yet have a Canon EOS 5Ds R-equivalent resolution option available in the R-series. The EOS R's 30.3 MP resolution is very high, but getting higher resolution in a Canon R-series camera requires waiting.
• You require dual memory card slots.
• You require IBIS (In Body Image Stabilization). Of course, most of the RF lenses have either an ultra-wide aperture or image stabilization reducing the need for stabilization in-camera.
• Current video capabilities are not adequate.

Note that there will always be a new camera model coming. How long it takes to get here is a key component to decision-making and with the manufacturers not sharing their future plans, that component is an unknown and a lot of years of current model usage could potentially be had before an alternative arrives. New models usually bring new features that are useful, at least to some, but they also typically have higher price tags, at least higher than a similar model being replaced or higher than a model positioned lower in the lineup. New models make no difference to how current models perform – a camera owned today will continue to perform the same tomorrow. If you can make use of a current model now, now is a good time to get that model.
 
The Canon EOS R is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX
 
The Canon EOS RP is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

With a Canon EOS Rebel SL3 (EOS 250D, EOS Kiss 10, EOS 200D II) in hand, it is time to set up the camera for use. Following are the 32 steps I took to make an out-of-the-box Canon EOS Rebel SL3 ready for use.
 

1. Open the box, find the battery, place it in the charger and plug it in.
2. While the battery is charging, unpack the other items you want from the box.
3. Download and install the Canon Solution Disk software on your computer, gaining support for the latest camera(s). Canon Digital Photo Pro (DPP) and EOS Utility are the options I manually include in the install.
4. Attach the neck strap.
5. Insert the battery (after charging completes) and power the camera on.
6. Insert a memory card.
7. Set the camera's mode to Av, Tv or M (some modes provide only a small subset of available menu options).
8. Scroll through all of the menu tabs to configure the camera as follows:
9. Shooting settings, Tab 1: Image quality: Use top dial to set RAW to "RAW" and Cross Keys to set JPEG to "-" (RAW image files provide the highest quality and are especially valuable for post processing work)
10. Shooting settings, Tab 1: Image review: 4 sec. (or sometimes off to increase shooting speed in the field)
11. Shooting settings, Tab 1: Release shutter without card: Disable (only in a retail store do you want to press the shutter release without saving the image file, leaving this option enabled will burn you someday)
12. Shooting settings, Tab 1: Lens Aberration Correction: All options "OFF" (though Chromatic Aberration correction is a good option to leave enabled for most)
13. Shooting settings, Tab 4: White balance: AWB W (White) (I seldom use another white balance setting while shooting, though I often adjust modestly during post processing)
14. Shooting settings, Tab 4: Picture Style: Neutral with Strength = 1 (Note: the low contrast "Neutral" picture style provides a histogram on the back of the camera that most-accurately shows me blown highlights and blocked shadows on the camera LCD. I usually change the Picture Style to "Standard" in DPP after capture.)
15. Shooting settings, Tab 5: Long exp. noise reduction: Auto (when active, LENR captures a dark image that is used to correct the long exposure noise in the primary image)
16. Shooting settings, Tab 5: High ISO speed NR: Off (or Low) (noise reduction is destructive to images details - I prefer to add noise reduction sparingly during post processing)
17. Playback settings, Tab 1: Histogram disp: RGB (I want to see the graph for individual color channels)
18. Function settings, Tab 1: Format card (always format memory cards in-camera — after all contained images are stored elsewhere of course)
19. Function settings, Tab 1: Auto Rotate: On computer (only) (images are properly rotated when viewed on a computer, but are always oriented to fill the LCD when viewed on the camera)
20. Function settings, Tab 2: Date/Time/Zone: make correct for your location
21. Function settings, Tab 3: Beep: Disable (no one wants to hear your camera constantly beeping)
22. Function settings, Tab 5: Copyright information: enter as desired
23. Function settings, Tab 5: Custom Functions settings(C.Fn): C.Fn I: Exposure: 2: ISO expansion: On (required for setting ISO to 51200)
24. Shooting settings, Tab 3: Photo ISO speed settings: ISO 51200 (this upper limit is only being used for testing, set to your tolerance)
25. Function settings, Tab 5: Custom Functions settings(C.Fn): C.Fn I: Exposure: 4: Exposure comp. auto cancel: Disable (I'll decide when exposure compensation should be canceled)
26. Function settings, Tab 5: Custom Functions settings(C.Fn): C.Fn I: Operation/Others: 11: Retract lens on power off (avoids having a carefully-selected focus distance reset when camera auto powers off)
27. Display level settings, Tab 1: Shooting screen: Standard (Guided is useful for beginners)
28. Display level settings, Tab 1: Menu displaye: Standard (Guided is useful for beginners)
29. Display level settings, Tab 1: Mode guide: Disable (Enabled is useful for beginners)
30. Display level settings, Tab 1: Feature guide: Disable (Enabled is useful for beginners)
31. My Menu: Add the first tab; Register the following options for Tab 1: Format card, Mirror lockup, Date/Time/Zone (great for monitoring what time it is), Expo.comp./AEB, Long exp. noise reduction, Sensor cleaning (nothing in my My Menu is found on the Quick Control display as those functions are already quickly accessed)
32. With a lens mounted and a subject focused on, adjust the viewfinder diopter until the scene is sharp

I of course make additional menu and other setting changes based on current shooting scenarios, but this list covers my initial camera setup process.
 
To copy this configuration would mean that you intend to shoot similar to how I shoot - including shooting in RAW-only format. While my setup works great for me, your best use of this list may be for tweaking your own setup.
 
If you can't remember your own menu setup parameters, keeping an up-to-date list such as this one is a good idea. Anytime your camera is reset-to-factory state for some reason, such as when being serviced, you will be ready to restore your setup quickly while ensuring that you do not miss an important setting. If you purchase another same or similar camera, you will be able to quickly set it up.
 
More Information
 
Canon EOS Rebel SL3
 
The Canon EOS Rebel SL3 is in stock at B&H | Amazon | Adorama | WEX.

Just posted: Really Right Stuff TFC/TVC-24/24L Mk2 Tripod Review.
 
This is my second-most-used tripod with only the Really Right Stuff TVC-34L Mk2 Tripod being used more frequently. These two tripods are practically the same except for a smaller and lighter frame, a lower weight capacity, and a lower price. Thus, a majority of the reviews are shared.
 
The Really Right Stuff TFC/TVC-24/24L Mk2 Tripod is in stock at B&H.

In an unusual move earlier this year, Canon showed (some of) their cards in a development announcement. Mock-ups of these new lenses were on display at a press event held just before that announcement and sharing some pictures from that event has been on my to-do list since. Note that all of the images shared in this article can be clicked on to see a significantly larger version.
 
The lead image shows all of the 2019 RF lenses and R-series cameras. From left to right in this image (new lens quotes are from Canon Europe) are the:
 

• Canon RF 35mm f/1.8mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro Lens
• Canon RF 50mm f/1.2 L USM Lens
• Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L USM Lens
  A large aperture mid-telephoto prime lens, offering the ultimate performance for advanced and professional portrait photographers.
• Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L USM DS Lens
  (not shown, but looks identical to RF 85 non-DS): A unique high-performance lens offering a combination of beautifully smooth defocused background bokeh and a super faster aperture to produce breath-taking portraits.
• Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens
  Offering wide angle, fast aperture and high performance in a single package this lens is ideal for a range of uses including architecture, interiors or landscapes.
• Canon RF 24-70mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens
  The high-performance standard zoom for professionals and photo enthusiasts shooting portraits, landscapes, documentary or weddings.
• Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens
  The must-have lens for any professional photographer shooting weddings, sport or wildlife. This high-speed medium telephoto zoom will be the daily go-to lens for numerous occasions.
• Canon RF 24-240mm F4-6.3 IS USM Lens
  This compact, affordable 10x zoom is a multipurpose travel lens offering a versatile range of focal lengths and practical size and performance.
• Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM Lens
• Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM Lens
• In front are the Canon EOS R and Canon EOS RP with the RF 24-105mm and RF 35mm lenses respectively shown mounted.

Not surprising is that the RF lenses show many similarities to each other. The black L-zooms all feature an ideally-positioned (toward the rear of the lens, though not as far back as their EF counterparts) zoom ring and all but the RF 24-240mm lens feature a forward-positioned control ring. The two or three rings on each lens have a differing tactile surface and the feel for each ring purpose is similar throughout the lineup with the control ring being knurled. Notice that the RF 24-240 does not have a dedicated focus ring. It is expected that the control ring will optionally be able to serve that function.
 
I was told to expect RF lens image quality to be as good or better than that of the nearest equivalent EF lens with reduced size being another benefit in some cases.
 
Note that the lenses shown on display boxes are lens mount-deep in their holders. Still, we can discern some of the sizes. I'll start with the RF 70-200 as I added a sizing prop next to it. Canon USA was very protective of the new lens mockups the Canon Inc. engineers brought with them (we could not touch them and they used white gloves to move them), but with reluctance, I was permitted to place a phone next to the tiny 70-200.
 

 
The iPhone 7 measures 5.44" (138mm) in length. If the phone were completely upright, it would about match the lens in length. What if your 70-200 f/2.8 was nearly as small as your EF 16-35 f/2.8L III? That is about the size difference we are looking at and here is a visual comparison. I haven't seen a lens that wow'd me as much as the Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens in a long time. Where is the rest of the lens? The size is so dramatically smaller that it will have an impact on the case or backpack this lens is carried in.
 
Interesting is that a tripod ring (hinge-removable) remains included. Is this an indication that weight will be moving forward, justifying the ring for proper balance? Or is the ring included because we expect a lens with these specs to have one, essentially checking the requirements box?
 
When the dust settles, I'll not likely care for the forward-positioned zoom ring and that this lens extends is not ideal. But, the considerably smaller size (the smallest Canon white L lens ever) should easily make up for those downsides. Note that this lens also has a rear-positioned control ring.
 
Here is a closer look at the new lenses.
 

 
Along with the RF 70-200, the RF 15-35 and RF 24-70 complete the RF f/2.8 lens "trifecta". These two similar-sized lenses appear to be slightly longer than the RF 24-105 (the spec will likely land at around 4.5" or 114mm) and will have a width very similar to the RF 24-105. Here is a current visual comparison with the RF 24-105. The wide-angle lens gets a very-welcomed extra 1mm of focal length on the wide end, making 15mm available with filter threads. It also adds image stabilization, a Canon first for full frame f/2.8 in this range. Additionally welcomed is that this lens appears to be slightly reduced in length and perhaps even more reduced in width.
 
The standard professional zoom lens does not get a focal length adjustment and the size appears not dramatially reduced, but the long-awaited image stabilization feature has arrived (woo hoo!).
 
With the RF 85 announced, we can directly compare the Canon RF 85mm to the Canon RF 50mm and see that the 85 is, as expected, a bit larger and heavier.
 
Only the second RF lens to be missing the red ring, the RF 24-240 relatively-affordably covers a huge range of focal length needs in a single lens, making it ideal for times when lens changes cannot be made, cannot be made quickly enough, or are simply not wanted to be made.
 
Still glaringly missing in the RF lineup is a value-priced general-purpose zoom lens. The RF 24-240 is positioned to be a great lower-budget option for all-around use, but although thin, it has a length similar to the RF 15-35 and RF 24-70 which does not completely align with the compactness of the EOS RP. Watch for at least one shorter-range option to arrive soon. It makes sense.
 
Lenses are a critical component of a camera system and the right lens can make a huge difference in the results and also in the ease in which those results are captured. Canon's new RF lens mount has obviously opened up new possibilities for lens designers and they are rolling out some of the best lenses ever. It's a great time to be a photographer.
 
 
A great set of rebates (up to $500) makes now an ideal time to add an R-series camera to the kit. The included Canon Mount Adapter EF-EOS R makes integration into an existing Canon kit easy. While I have access to evaluation cameras, I decided that I wanted my own R and recently added one to the kit.
 
The Canon EOS R is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX
 
The Canon EOS RP is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

Image quality test results from the Canon EOS 7D Mark II have been added to the Sigma 60-600mm f/4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports Lens page.
 
The Sigma 60-600mm f/4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports Lens is in stock or coming soon at B&H | Adorama | Amazon US | WEX
 
Rent the Sigma 60-600mm f/4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports Lens from Lensrentals.

With the Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L USM Lens announced and coming soon and the similarly-purposed Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L USM DS Lens not being slated for delivery until the second half of the year, some need to make a buy or wait decision. In his usual clear and accurate style, Canon USA's Rudy Winston has explained the differences between these two lenses.
 
What are the differences between the Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L USM Lens and the Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L USM DS Lens?
 
Per Rudy:
 

• Reduced light transmittance:
  The Defocus Smoothing coatings in the 85mm F1.2 L DS lens will reduce actual light transmission by up to 1.5 stops, when the lens is at its widest aperture.
• Defocus Smoothing effect is aperture-dependent:
  The visual impact of softer-edged, out-of-focus highlights, is at its maximum when the DS lens is shot wide-open. The visual impact of Defocus Smoothing diminishes, vs. the RF 85mm F1.2 L lens, as the DS lens’ aperture is stopped-down, and essentially disappears if the lens is stopped-down several stops from wide-open.
• Depth-of-field is rendered differently:
  At wider lens apertures where the Defocus Smoothing effect is visible, for technical reasons, depth-of-field will appear deeper in shots taken with the DS lens, vs. identical shots taken with the RF 85mm F1.2 L USM lens.

Rudy provides additional information worth reading, but click on the two sample images that are shared in the article for comparison purposes. They should open in new tabs. Then click back and forth between the two tabs while observing changes.
 
The first observation to make is that the DS lens produces much smoother blurred lights in the background and this is the key advantage of this lens. While looking at those lights, you will likely notice that the non-DS lens' sample image has larger-sized blurred lights. However, the size difference may not be related to the non-DS vs. DS designs. Next notice the sharpness of the model's shoulders in the two images. That the front shoulder is sharper in the non-DS lens image and that the reverse is also true may indicate that the non-DS lens was focused to a closer distance, causing the blurred lights to be larger on this account.
 
Portrait photographers are going to love these lenses and Rudy's "Which lens is right for you?" section should be helpful to those selecting between the two.

Canon Japan has shared a pair of RF 85mm F1.2 L USM Lens sample images. Note the lack of color fringing in the white details and out of focus jewelry.
 
Canon USA also has a few sample pictures available. Click on the "Sample Images" link just above the "Features" section.
 
The Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L USM Lens is scheduled to be available in June and Amazon USA has put a date of June 20th on their product page. I don't know if that date is accurate or a complete guess, so use your discernment in that regard.
 
The Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L USM Lens is available for preorder at: B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | Wex

Thanks to a development announcement, we knew that the Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L USM Lens was coming. Based on the performance of the Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM Lens (and all of the other RF lenses), we expected the RF 85 to be a great performer. Based on the RF 85's price, announced in the press release earlier today, that expectation was raised to a new level. And now, with the MTF chart strongly supporting that expectation, it is practically guaranteed that the RF 85 is going to be an amazing lens.
 
The Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L USM Lens is available for preorder at: B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | Wex

When considering the addition of a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera to the kit, one of the concerns is the grip size. When reducing the size of a camera, the grip is an easy target. However, when the grip is made too small, the camera becomes harder to use.
 
I used calipers to very precisely measure the grip height from the bottom of the camera to the top edge of the useful grip area on the front of each camera, but note that there was a tiny amount of judgment to be made in the latter determination. The depth measurement was made at the thickest part of the grip that included the finger swell area on the front. Use the EOS 5D-series DSLR camera as a baseline to compare against.
 

Model	Height		Depth
Canon EOS 5Ds R	2.73"	(69.3mm)	2.79"	(70.9mm)
Canon EOS R	2.53"	(64.3mm)	2.65"	(67.3mm)
Nikon Z 6, Nikon Z 7	2.33"	(59.0mm)	2.63"	(66.7mm)
Sony a7 III, Sony a7R III, Sony a9	2.08"	(52.8mm)	2.40"	(60.8mm)

My hand size falls between medium and large. The Sony grip design requires that I use a pinky-under strategy. My pinky just fits on the Nikon Z 6 and Z 7 grip and my pinky comfortably fits on the Canon EOS R grip.
 
If the native grip size is not large enough for you, add the respective battery grip. For the Canon EOS R, that grip is the Canon Battery Grip BG-E22. Though not available as I write this, the MB-N10 Multi-Power Battery Pack has been promised for the Nikon Z 6 and Z 7 cameras. Sony a7 III, a7R III, and a9 cameras are compatible with the Sony VG-C3EM vertical grip. These Sony cameras are also compatible with the Sony GP-X1EM Grip Extension. While the battery grips add size and weight to cameras having light weight and small size as advantages, the grips are easily removable, offering the best of both worlds. I have used the Canon and Sony grips and like them a lot.
 
I do not have an EOS RP at this time, but if someone sends me the measurements, I'll add them to this comparison chart. The RP's grip is remarkably nice for the tiny size of this camera, but it has a pinky-under grip height with the Canon EG-E1 Extension Grip adding room for that last finger.
 
If you were considering the purchase of one of these camera models, now is a very good time to do so. Instant rebates ranging up to $1,000 for Sony, $700 for Nikon, and $500 for Canon are currently available. Please remember to use the links on this site to make all of your purchases! Use the links in the comparison table to navigate to the camera model you are interested in.

Image quality test results have been added to the Sigma 60-600mm f/4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports Lens page.
 
Can a lens with this extreme focal length range, even a Sigma Sports lens, produce good image quality?
 
The Sigma 60-600mm f/4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports Lens is in stock or coming soon at B&H | Adorama | Amazon US | WEX
 
Rent the Sigma 60-600mm f/4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports Lens from Lensrentals.
 
Please share these results with your friends!

Tilt-shift lenses from Canon, Nikon and Rokinon (Samyang) are now included in the site's Camera Lens MTF Measurements Comparison Tool.
 
The image shared on this post should get your attention!

A handful of Rokinon (Samyang) Lenses have been added to the site's Camera Lens MTF Measurements Comparison Tool.
 
Go make some comparisons!

Image quality test results have been added to the Tamron 15-30mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 Lens page.
 
Here is the Tamron 15-30mm f/2.8 VC G2 vs. G1 Lens image quality comparison. Obviously, the camera resolution is quite different in these results, but if you visualize the chart details in the G1 results being enlarged to the G2's detail size, you will likely determine that these two lenses perform very similarly. That they perform similarly is not a surprise.
 
Here are some more comparisons for your entertainment:
 
Tamron 15-30mm f/2.8 VC G2 vs. Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III Lens
Tamron 15-30mm f/2.8 VC G2 vs. Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG HSM Art Lens
Tamron 15-30mm f/2.8 VC G2 vs. Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM Lens
Tamron 15-30mm f/2.8 VC G2 vs. Tokina 16-28mm f/2.8 AT-X Pro FX Lens (different resolution)
 
The Tamron 15-30mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 Lens is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon US | WEX
 
Rent the Tamron 15-30mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 Lens from Lensrentals.

Just posted: Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III RXD Lens (for Sony) Review.
 
There is a reason (or many of them) why this is the best-selling lens at B&H right now.
 
The Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III RXD Lens is expected in stock soon at B&H | Adorama | Amazon US | WEX
 
Rent the Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III RXD Lens from Lensrentals.

The Nikon Prime Lenses have been added to the site's Camera Lens MTF Measurements Comparison Tool.
 
Once again, I'll share my favorite Nikon lens chart in this post.
 
Go determine which Nikon lens produced your favorite MTF results. Then begin comparing against the other brands.

The Canon EOS Rebel SL3 utilizes the same small LP-E17 Battery Pack found in the Rebel T7i, the Rebel SL2, and many other recent EOS camera models. Having the same battery shared among many cameras is convenient and efficient in many regards, including from manufacturing and inventory perspectives. That multiple cameras can potentially share the same charger and supply of backup batteries is great and especially helpful when traveling.
 
Small batteries typically produce small shot ratings and I thought I misheard what Canon USA's Drew McCallum said during a phone call prior to the SL3's announcement. A CIPA 1,630 shot battery life rating (at 73°F/23°C, AE 100% — no flash) from the tiny Canon Battery Pack LP-E17? That is a HUGE increase from the already very reasonable 840 shot rating of the SL2. When the official specifications document arrived with Drew's number confirmed, my skepticism turned to enthusiasm. Most could shoot for days or even weeks on a single battery charge and that is super-convenient.
 
So, my question was then: "How is the Canon EOS Rebel SL3 getting so many shots from the little LP-E17 Battery Pack?" Whenever I have a Canon camera-related question, Canon USA's Rudy Winston can be counted on for an accurate answer.
 
First, Rudy assured me that no changes have been made to the LP-E17 battery pack, ending any speculation in that regard.
 
My own first guess at this answer was that the DIGIC 8 processor could be credited for the significant performance improvement. Rudy's response in this regard was that "While the new DIGIC 8 processor most assuredly adds some features and performance, the engineers did not list improved battery life as a benefit of the latest Canon processor." "Obviously, there were some efficiencies achieved in this updated [camera] model, but our engineers haven't shed light on which ones are responsible for its very good battery performance."
 
Thus, the full secret formula has not been disclosed and though we may never know the complete set of reasons why the performance is so great, we can still enjoy the great performance.

The Sony Prime Lenses have been added to the site's Camera Lens MTF Measurements Comparison Tool.
 
Once again, I'll share my favorite chart in this post and will this time add a comparison in the above link. The Sony FE 135mm f/1.8 GM Lens is razor sharp.
 
Did I pick the best? Go determine out which Sony lens produced your favorite MTF results.
 
Note that the Zeiss Loxia and Batis prime lens results are coming soon and many additional Lensrentals-sourced test results are promised.

The Canon EOS Rebel SL3 page contains a significant amount of information about this soon-arriving little camera. Check it out!
 
What are the differences between the Canon EOS SL3 and SL2?
 
Here is the full Canon EOS Rebel SL3 vs. SL2 Comparison.
 
And, here are the primary differences.
 

• 4K video (1.6x crop), 4k movie frame grab, 4k time-lapse capture
• Increased battery life – approx. 1070 vs. 650 (at 23°C, AE 50%, FE 50%)
• New .CR3 RAW file format providing improvements including a 40% smaller file size in the new C-RAW (Compressed RAW) format
• Increased RAW buffer capacity to 10 vs. 6 and to 37 with C-RAW format
• DIGIC 8 vs. 7
• Has Smooth Skin mode vs. Panning mode
• Improved ALO (Auto Lighting Optimizer), retaining gradations in highlights and shadows
• Guided User Interface and Creative Assist modes available
• Easier Wi-Fi setup including a new purple menu tab and editable pre-assigned names
• No dedicated DOF preview button, flash release button changed to a small flange on flash

Note that the camera body and with-lens kit already have a $50 and $100 instant rebate respectively available.
 
The Canon EOS Rebel SL3 is available for preorder at B&H | Amazon | Adorama | WEX

Image quality, vignetting, flare, and distortion test results along with specs and measurements have been added to the Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 S Lens page.
 
This is a good lens.
 
The Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 S Lens is in stock at B&H | Amazon | Adorama | WEX
 
Rent the Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 S Lens from Lensrentals.

Just Posted: PolarPro Peter McKinnon Edition Variable ND Filter Review.
 
Definitely check out these just-announced, high-grade and highly-useful filters.
 
The PolarPro Variable ND Filter will be in stock soon at Amazon.

The Sigma Art Prime Lenses have been added to the site's Camera Lens MTF Measurements Comparison Tool.
 
I'll share my favorite chart in this post. The Sigma 40mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens results will get most of us drooling.
 
Feel free to share which Art lens produced your favorite MTF results.

Image quality test results from a second lens copy have been added to the Canon RF 24-105mm F4 L IS USM Lens Review.
 
The Canon RF 24-105mm F4 L IS USM Lens is in stock at B&H | Amazon | Adorama | WEX
 
Rent the Canon RF 24-105mm F4 L IS USM Lens from Lensrentals.
 
Save $480.00: B&H has a 9+-rated used Canon EOS R Mirrorless Digital Camera with 24-105mm Lens in stock.

Roger Cicala over at Lensrentals has spent years perfecting his lens MTF testing procedures and has begun sharing the results of his work with us. The-Digital-Picture.com's Camera Lens MTF Measurements Comparison Tool has been refreshed with the latest results, currently including Canon and Zeiss prime lenses with many more results coming soon.
 
Note that only wide-open aperture results will be shared. Zoom lenses will have results for multiple focal lengths.
 
Please share!

Image quality test results from the Canon EOS R have been added to the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM Lens Review.
 
As I said before, there were some comparisons that I wanted to see and with an EOS R now in the kit, it is time to make some of them happen. With the EOS R test chart results from another of my favorite lenses, the EF 24-70 f/2.8L II, now loaded on the site, here is the next one:
 
Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM Lens compared to Canon RF 28-70mm F2 L USM Lens.
 
I think you'll be impressed with the RF lens' wide open performance in this comparison.
 
The 28-70mm f/2 RF lens mounted to an EOS R was my primary combination for photographing a large-arena concert on Saturday night (with media access). The large size and relatively heavy weight of the lens were not issues for the 5-hour event, especially with a BlackRapid Sport Breathe Camera Strap taking the weight during breaks. Having the f/2 aperture available in a solid focal length range made a huge difference in capturing fast-moving performers in low light. And, the image quality of the results is excellent.
 
I should also mention that I love the EOS R's Touch & Drag AF feature. I find it much faster than using a joystick and going back and forth between the R and my secondary camera made this difference especially obvious.
 
The Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM Lens is in stock at B&H | Amazon | Adorama | WEX
Rent the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM Lens from Lensrentals.
 
The Canon RF 28-70mm F2 L USM Lens is in stock at B&H | Amazon | Adorama | WEX
Rent the Canon RF 28-70mm F2 L USM Lens from Lensrentals.

Image quality test results from the Canon EOS R have been added to the Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM Lens Review.
 
There were some comparisons that I wanted to see and with an EOS R now in the kit, it is time to make some of them happen. With the EOS R test chart results from one of my favorite lenses, the EF 24-105 f/4L IS II, now loaded on the site, here is the first one:
 
Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM Lens compared to Canon RF 24-105mm F4 L IS USM Lens.
 
You'll likely have an opinion by 105mm f/4. Don't forget to share with friends.
 
The Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM Lens is in stock at B&H | Amazon | Adorama | WEX
Rent the Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM Lens from Lensrentals.
 
The Canon RF 24-105mm F4 L IS USM Lens is in stock at B&H | Amazon | Adorama | WEX
Rent the Canon RF 24-105mm F4 L IS USM Lens from Lensrentals.

Just posted: Canon EF-M 32mm f/1.4 STM Lens Review.
 
This is a remarkable little lens.
 
The Canon EF-M 32mm f/1.4 STM Lens is in stock at B&H | Amazon | Adorama | WEX
 
Rent the Canon EF-M 32mm f/1.4 STM Lens from Lensrentals.
 
As I mentioned in the review, this lens is worth getting an EOS M-series camera just to mount it on. Act fast to get a great deal on one of these cameras during the Canon USA Store Friends and Family Sale!